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Dangerous Telegraph intersection in Wayne County to get safety upgrades

Motorists who use Telegraph Road in Dearborn Heights could see heavier traffic as work crews begin safety improvements to an intersection notorious for crashes.

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is launching three safety projects on Telegraph (U.S-24) between Van Born and Ecorse roads starting on Monday and lasting until late June.

The projects include:

The addition of a left turn lane from southbound Telegraph to eastbound Van Born, along with new traffic signals and upgraded sidewalks ramps at the intersection.

Two overhead signs will be replaced including the foundations, sign supports, and signs on southbound Telegraph between I-94 and Ecorse.

New sidewalk constructed along northbound and southbound Telegraph through the interchange with Ecorse, including upgrading sidewalk ramps.

The left turn lane addition, upgraded signals, and sidewalks will improve the safety of the Telegraph and Van Born intersection, said MDOT. In addition, the new sidewalk and ramps will help pedestrians, including those with disabilities, safely cross the roadway.

The intersection is known for congestion and traffic accidents. It was listed at No. 7 as one of the most dangerous intersections in Wayne County in 2017, reported WDIV-TV. Seventy-eight crashes occurred at the site, with 21 car accidents that resulted in injuries.

The construction of the left turn lane, signal work, and sidewalk upgrades will require occasional lane closures during off-peak hours for both directions of Telegraph and Van Born. In addition, the sign installation will bring closures to southbound Telegraph from I-94 to Ecorse during slow hours.

The sidewalk work requires the right lanes to be closed continuously on northbound and southbound Telegraph near Ecorse, with occasional closure of the Ecorse ramps.

Access to neighborhoods and business will be maintained during construction, the agency said.